Silver Lining

Yesterday, I was thinking about what makes a good person and was looking for quotes that talked about the difference between superficial beauty and inner beauty. I wanted to highlight that there are a lot of very "good looking" people who are actually quite hideous. I was unsuccessful in finding the appropriate quote and instead came across a quote by Victor Hugo "The supreme happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved — loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."

As soon as I read it, I smiled (and posted in on facebook). I realized that my unhappiness was mostly due to the fact that I was focusing on the wrong things. In truth, I have every reason to be happy. Yes, my life is far from ideal and there are numerous things that I'm working on changing. However, I am surrounded by amazing people who are there for me and with me everyday.

I am blessed to have some of the best friends a girl could hope for. These are people who have watched out for me when I sick, call me out when I'm being annoying and will laugh with me when things get weird. They are the people who listen and share. They are the ones that don't need to say much of anything, or can say everything with a simple gesture. I am blessed to have found such friends here in Saudi and in the US, in Colombia and around the world.

I also have the greatest family in the world. Let's be perfectly honest, my parents are awesome (those of you who have met them, can attest, those of you who haven't, are missing out). My sister is a daily reminder of how strong people can be. In short, I am one of those incredibly lucky people who really LOVE going home and spending time with these people. And, not only are they my family but they are also my best friends. They are first people I call when I need advice and the only ones that I listen to when they tell me I'm wrong (most of the time).

In short, if happiness is defined by the people that we surround ourselves with, then I have more than my fair share of reasons to be happy. I have people that love me despite the fact that I don't always make sense and can be moody, sarcastic, shy and forgetful. In short, I am loved in spite of myself, and I can't be thankful (or happy) enough.